Chimeric proteins that induce effects directed against viruses

ABSTRACT

The present invention is related to the obtaining of chimeric chains coding for proteins capable of inducing, in the recipient, a serotype-specific and protective humoral immune response against the infection by the Dengue virus, thus eliminating the effects of the serotype-nonespecific viral immunoenhancement that causes hemorrhagies and clinical complications described for this kind of pathology. These chimeric chains of nucleic acids are composed by the specific combination of fragments belonging to the gene of a mutated protein from  Neisseria meningitidis  with dehydrogenase activity and fragments that codify for a region of the envelope (E) protein from the Dengue virus which, when inserted to an expression vector, give rise to chimeric proteins with particular properties. The resultant chimeric molecules from this invention are applicable to the pharmaceutical industry for the obtaining of vaccine preparations and diagnostic means of high serotype-specificity to be used in humans.

This application is a U.S. National Phase Application of International Application No. PCT/CU02/00006 filed on Jul. 12, 2002. The specification of International Application No. PCT/CU02/00006 is hereby incorporated by reference.

This application asserts priority to Cuban Application No. CU 2001-0172 filed on Jul. 16, 2001. The specification of Cuban application No. CU 2001-0172 is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related with the field of the biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry, in particular with the obtaining of chimeric nucleotide chains which, when introduced into an expression vector, give rise to proteins able to elicit a serotype-specific humoral immune response and protection against the Dengue virus infection; quoted from now on as DEN, avoiding the effects of the serotype-specific viral immunoamplification, causing hemorrhages and clinical complications described in this type of pathology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Dengue virus (DEN), is a coated virus whose lipid membrane contains two of its three structural proteins: the envelope protein (E) and the membrane protein (M). The E protein covers an icosaedric nucleocapsid composed by the third of its structural proteins, the core protein. This virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family and four different serotypes exist. Its transmission to the man is carried out through the mosquito Aedes aegypti that belongs to the Stegomia family. The disease produced in the human for this virus was considered as benign and was described as Dengue Fever or Classical Dengue (DF) until the appearance of a more serious modality and sometimes lethal, characterized by hemorrhagic fever and shock, denominated: Hemorrhagic Dengue Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome (HDF/DSS) (Hammon WMc. New hemorrhagic fever in children in the Philippines and Thailand. Trans Assoc Physicians 1960; 73: 140–155). Several epidemiological studies have been carried out evidencing as a risk factor the sequential infection of two different viral serotypes (Kouri G P, Guzman M G, Brave J R. Why dengue hemorrhagic fever in Cuba) 2. An integral analysis. Trans Roy Soc Trop Med Hyg 1987; 72: 821–823). This phenomenon is explained by the immuno-enhancement, which is based on an increase of the viral infection by increasing the entrance of the virus-antibody complex to the cell through the Fc receptors of the target cell (monocytes) (haistead SB. Pathogenesis of dengue: challenges to molecular biology. Science 1988; 239: 476–481).

Different technologies have been developed to produce live attenuated vaccines, but at present there exist multiple unsolved issues on the possible benefits of these vaccines, since they could revert to the virulence, viral interference and inter-genomic recombination. Alternately, recombinant antigens can be obtained as possible components of a subunit vaccine (Feighny, R., Borrous, J. and Putnak R. Dengue type-2 virus envelope protein made using recombinant baculovirus protects mice against virus challenge. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 1994. 50(3). 322–328; Deubel, V., Staropoli, I., Megret, F., et al. Affinity-purified dengue-2 virus envelope glycoprotein induces neutralizing antibodies and protective immunity in mice. Vaccine. 1997. 15, 1946–1954).

The main antigen of the virus is the envelope protein DENe. This protein is the major component of the viral surface and is thought to mediate the binding of the virus to the cellular receptor (A Heinz F X, Berge R, Tuma W et al. A topological and functional model of epitopes on the structural glycoprotein of tick-borne encephalitis virus defined by monoclonal antibodies. Virology. 1983; 126: 525). This protein has structural homology with that of the tick borne encephalitis virus (TBE) (Rey, F. A., Heinz, F. X., Mandl, C., et al. The envelope glycoprotein from tick borne encephalitis virus at 2 A° resolution. Nature 1995; 375: 291–298) and it is also structurally conserved among serotypes.

The insect cells constitute one of the systems most used for the expression of diverse heterologous genes that employ the baculovirus system as vectors. These vectors have been used for the expression of several combinations of structural and nonstructural proteins of the Encephalitis Japanese virus (JEV), DEN-1, DEN-2 and DEN4, (Matsuura Y, Miyamoto M, Soto T et al. Characterization of japanese encephalitis virus envelope protein expressed by recombinant baculoviruses. Virology 1989; 173: 677–682; Deubel V, Bordier M, Megret F et al. Processing, secretion and immunoreactivity of carboxy terminally truncated dengue-2 envelope proteins expressed in insect cell by recombinant baculoviruses. Virology 1991; 180: 440–447; Putnak R, Feighny R, Burrous J et al. Dengue 1 virus envelope glycoprotein gene expressed in recombinant baculovirus elicit virus neutralization antibodies in mice and protects them from virus challenge. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1991; 45: 159–167; Feighny R, Burrous J, Putnak R. Dengue type 2 virus envelope protein made using recombinant baculovirus protects mice against virus challenge. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1994; 50: 322–328). Another system used has been the cells of Drosophila melanogaster expressing different variants of the E protein (PCT/US96/07627). In spite of obtaining an appropriate functional response, upon using the proteins expressed in these systems, they imply a high cost for the development of scale-up production processes; therefore, the expression in yeast has been an alternative to produce recombinant structural proteins of flavivirus. However, in the case of the DENe protein, expressed in Pichia pastoris (PCT/US96/07627; Sugrue R. J., Fu H., Howe J., Chan Y. Expression of the Dengue virus structural proteins in Pichia pastoris leads to the generation of virus-like particles. J. Virol. 1997. 78, 1861–1866), the levels of expression are low, either secreted or intracellularly, hindering the purification process.

In parallel, several variants of the DENe protein have been obtained in bacteria. One of them was the C-terminal portion of the E protein of the JEV fused to a protein of the Tryptophan metabolism (TrpE) of E. coli. This protein was produced as inclusion bodies and was recognized by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) using immunodetection techniques. However, pure preparations of this protein were unable to develop neutralizing antibodies and to protect against viral challenge (Mason P. W., Zogel M. V., Semproni A. R., et al. The antigenic structure of dengue type I virus envelope and NS1 protein expressed in E. coli. J Gen Virol. 1990. 71: 2107–2114). In addition, another construction was made (Srivastava A. K., Morita K., Matsuo S., et al. Japanese encephalitis virus fusion protein with protein A expressed in E. coli confers protection in mice. Microbiol Immunol. 1991. 35: 863–870), that contains the protein A of Staphylococcus aurius fused to the C-terminal fragment of the E protein, followed by the N-terminal segment of the nonstructural protein of the JEV, the NS1. In this case the fused protein was soluble, facilitating its purification by affinity chromatography. Upon immunizing mice with this pure protein high neutralizing antibodies titers were obtained, which also inhibited haemagglutination and protected against the viral challenge with the JEV. Similar results were obtained using the DENe region of the DEN-2 fused to the protein A of S. aureus (Srivastava A. K., Putnak R. J., Warren R. L., Hoke C. H. Mice immunized with a dengue type 2 virus E and NS1 fusion protein made in Escherichia coli are protected against lethal dengue virus infection. Vaccine. 1995. 13: 1251–1258); however, it is not possible to use these preparations in humans due to the presence of the protein A, which has shown a high affinity for the human immunoglobulin G (IgG).

Finally, it has been reported a fusion protein that contains the B domain of the DENe protein of DEN-2 and the maltose binding protein (MBP) of E. coli (Simmons M., Nelson W. M., Wu S. J., Hayes C. G. Evaluation of the protective efficacy of a recombinant dengue envelope B domain fusion protein against dengue 2 virus infection in mice. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1998. 58: 655-662) denominated MBP-DomB. This protein variant was immunogenic in mice and elicited neutralizing antibodies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In our case, the subject of this invention relies on the obtaining of chimeric sequences, as for instance, in the first case, the sequence coding for a region of the DENe protein linked to the N-terminal fragment of a mutated protein with dehydrogenase activity (MDH) from Neisseria meningitidis; in the second case, the sequence coding for a region of the DENe protein linked to the entire gene of the MDH protein in two different positions, and in the third case, the chimeric sequences are formed by two fragments of the DENe protein from two different viral serotypes fused to the same gene coding for the MDH protein. These chimeric chains when inserted into a suitable vector, give rise to insoluble chimeric proteins within the bacterium's cytoplasm. These proteins are then capable to elicit high levels of neutralizing antibodies against DEN, inhibitors of the viral hemagglutination and to protect immunized mice against viral challenge.

With regards to the insolubility of the aforementioned proteins, an easy scale-up folding process was achieved in vitro, as well as the expression and purification processes which were superior to those used by Simmons et al, 1998. On the other hand, the serotype specificity of the antibodies is demonstrated, generated by immunization of mice with these proteins, at the level of neutralization, inhibition of hemaglutination and ELISA, using doses lower than those employed by Simmons et al, 1998. This fact constitutes the first report on the expression of insoluble DENe proteins in E. coli capable of stimulating a functionl immune response.

In addition, considering the results obtained with the dimeric variant, it is possible to generate serotype-specific antibodies with the same molecule for two different viral serotypes, capable of neutralizing viral infection and protect mice against viral challenge. Concerning the MDH protein, a search for homology with other sequences was done in the EMBL data base, revealing that the first 110 amino acids are highly similar to the lipoic binding domain region and the flexible hinge of the dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (E2 enzyme of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and α-cetoglutarate dehydrogenase), and the rest of the protein is highly similar to the lipoamide dehydrogenase (LPDH), enzyme E3 of said complexes (Stephens, P. E; H. M. Darlinson, and J. R. Guest., 1983. The Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex of E. coli. Eur. J. Biochem. 133:155–162.

On the other hand, it was also found that patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) produced anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies, specific for the lipoic acid binding site, common among these proteins (Gershwin M E, Mackay I R, Sturgess A, Coppel R L. Identification and specificity of a cDNA encoding the 70 KDa mitochondrial antigen recognized in primary biliary cirrhosis. J Immunol 1987;138:3525–31). Therefore, we decided to mutate this region within the protein to avoid any autoimmune response when immunized in humans as chimeric proteins. The mutated MDH protein of our invention was used in a Phase I clinical trial and showed to be safe and immunogenic in humans, and also was not recognized by sera of patients with PBC (Pérez, A., F. Dickinson, Z. Cinza, A. Ruiz, T. Serrano, J. Sosa, S. González, Y. Gutiérrez, C. Nazábal, O. Gutiérrez, D. Guzmán, M. Diaz, M. Delgado, E. Caballero, G. Sardiñas, A. Alvarez, A. Martin, G. Guillén, R. Silva. Safety and preliminary immunogenicity of the recombinant outer membrane protein of Neisseria meningitidis in human volunteers. Biotech. Appl. Biochem. 34: 121–125). However, the possible use of the MBP in humans has not been demonstrated yet (Simmons M., Nelson W. M., Wu S. J., Hayes C. G. Evaluation of the protective efficacy of a recombinant dengue envelope B domain fusion protein against dengue 2 virus infection in mice. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1998. 58: 655–662).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this invention is described the obtaining of chimeric nucleotide chains that when introduced into an expression vector, give rise to chimeric proteins capable of inducing a serotype-specific humoral immune response and protecting against the infection by Dengue virus, as for instance, the sequence coding for a region of the DENe protein from each one of the viral serotypes of the Dengue virus, linked to the N-terminal fragment of a mutated protein with dehydrogenase activity (MDH) from Neisseria meningitidis; in the second case, the sequence coding for a region of the DENe protein linked to the entire gene of the MDH protein in two different positions: within one site of the sequence coding for the structural domain of the MDH protein (lipoic acid binding domain and the 3′ end of the gen), and in the third case, the chimeric sequences are formed by two fragments of the DENe protein from two different viral serotypes, DEN-2 and DEN-4, in two different positions of the MDH gen: one within a particular site of the sequence coding for the lipoic acid binding domain (serotype 4) and the other in the 3′ end of the MDH gen (serotype 2). This was called a dimeric construct.

This chimeric proteins were obtained insoluble within the bacterium's cytoplasm. A purification process by immobilazed metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) was done which led to obtain pure proteins for immunogenicity studies.

When antigenicity results were analyzed a strong recognition of all the recombinant chimeric proteins for the hyperimmune ascitic liquids (HMAF) anti-DEN was demonstrated, being higher for the case of the fusion to the entire MDH gene, which evidences a positive effect on the folding of the region from the DENe protein given by the MDH. In the cases where the serotype 2 was used, all recombinant proteins obtained were recognized by a serotype-specific neutralizing antibody (3H5), being also higher for the case of the fusion to the entire MDH gene, as well as in the dimeric protein. It was also observed that the recognition for the HMAF from the homologous serotype in each case was significantly higher than the recognition for the HMAF from the heterologous serotypes, evidencing the exposure of serotype-specific epitopes and permitting thus its use as a diagnostic mean for Dengue and serotyping.

When all the recombinant chimeric proteins were immunized in mice a neutralizing and protective response was obtained. Highest neutralizing titers were obtained with the sequences fused to the entire gene of the MDH and with the dimeric protein, independently of the position of the fragment from the DENe protein. This showed an immunopotentiator effect of the immune response mediated by the MDH that can be explained by the influence in the folding of the DENe protein reflected in the antigenicity results obtained. It was also demonstrated for the first time, and contrary to the previous state of the art, that the insolubility of these proteins do not affect the capacity of generating a suitable immune response.

The immune response produced in all the cases was serotype-specific (antibodies against the immunized homologous serotype) in the viral neutralization, the hemoagglutination inhibition and ELISA. The generation of serotype-specific antibodies means that they are not capable to recognize antigenic determinants from virus of heterologous serotypes that favour the immunoenhacement phenomenum. This characteristic is of great importance for the development of a vaccine candidate against the Dengue virus since the recognition of antibodies to heterologous serotypes could be one of the causes for the Hemorrhagic Dengue Fever (HDF).

Besides it was showed the induction of antibodies against two viral serotypes after immunization with just one of the chimeric proteins, which permits the formulation of a vaccine candidate against the four serotypes, using only two of our available recombinant chimeric proteins.

The obtaining of the mutant MDH protein consisted of the elimination of the lipoic acid binding site in the sequence ETDKAT, based on the covalent binding of this fatty acid with the epsilon-amine groups of lysine (K) (Tuaillon N, Andre C, Briand J P et al. A lipoyl synthetic octadecapeptide of dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase specifically recognized by anti-M2 autoantibodies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. J Immunol 1992; 148:445–50).

The mutagenesis was done by using PCR with a pair of primers to amplify the N-terminal region (from the start codon of the lpdA gene until the lipoic acid binding site, 135 bp) and the C-terminal of the protein (from the lipoic acid binding site until the 3′ end of the gene); thus, being eliminated the possibility to generate autoimmune reactions, as demonstrated in the human clinical trials.

Deposit of the Biological Material

Plasmids PLL1, PLL2, PLL3, PLH1, PLH2, PLH3,PAZ1, PAZ2, PAZ3, PID1, PID2 and PID3 were deposited according to the Budapest Treaty in the Belgian Coordinated collection of Microorganism—BCCM™, LMBP-COLLECTION, on Jun. 20, 2003 and under the access numbers LMBP 4564, LMBP 4565, LMBP 4566, LMBP 4561, LMBP 4562, LMBP 4563, LMBP 4555, LMBP 4556, LMBP 4557, LMBP 4558, LMBP 4559, LMBP 4560, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1. Cloning strategy of the E2 fragment to obtain PLL1.

DENe2: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-2.

N-term: Nucleotide sequence that codifies for the first 45 amino acids of the MDH protein.

FIG. 2. Cloning strategy of the E2 fragment to obtain PLL2.

DENe2: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-2.

MDH: dehydrogenase mutant.

FIG. 3. Cloning strategy of the E2 fragment to obtain PLL3.

DENe2: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-2.

MDH: dehydrogenase mutant.

FIG. 4. Cloning strategy of the E1 fragment to obtain PLH1.

DENe1: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-1.

N-term: Nucleotide sequence that codifies for the first 45 amino acids of the MDH protein.

FIG. 5. Cloning strategy of the E1 fragment to obtain PLH2.

DENe1: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-1.

N-term: Nucleotide sequence that codifies for the first 45 amino acids of the MDH protein.

FIG. 6. Cloning strategy of the E1 fragment to obtain PLH3.

DENe1: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-1.

MDH: dehydrogenase mutant.

FIG. 7. Cloning strategy of the E3 fragment to obtain PAZ1.

DENe3: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-3.

N-term: Nucleotide sequence that codifies for the first 45 amino acids of the MDH protein.

FIG. 8. Cloning strategy of the E3 fragment to obtain PAZ2.

DENe3: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-3.

MDH: dehydrogenase mutant.

FIG. 9. Cloning strategy of the E3 fragment to obtain PAZ3.

DENe3: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-3.

MDH: dehydrogenase mutant.

FIG. 10. Cloning strategy of the E4 fragment to obtain PID1.

DENe4: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-4.

N-term: Nucleotide sequence that codifies for the first 45 amino acids of the MDH protein.

FIG. 11. Cloning strategy of the E4 fragment to obtain PID2.

DENe4: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN4.

MDH: dehydrogenase mutant.

FIG. 12. Cloning strategy of the E4 fragment to obtain PID3.

DENe4: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN4.

MDH: dehydrogenase mutant.

FIG. 13. Cloning strategy to obtain PD4D2.

DENe4: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN4.

DENe2: Fragment of the envelope protein of DEN-2.

MDH: dehydrogenase mutant.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Obtaining of PLL1

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-2 virus (Sec. Id. No. 22) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.1 and Sequence No. 2 from the DEN-2 virus strain genotype Jamaica (Deubel V., Kinney R. M., Trent D. W. Nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence of the nonstructural proteins of Dengue type 2 virus, Jamaica genotype: Comparative analysis of the full-length genome. Virology 1988.165:234–244).

The vector was created by digestion of the pM108 His plasmid with Xba I/Bam HI, which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the N-terminal region of the MDH and for a sequence of 6 histidines (Sequence No. 23). Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells W3110 (Hill C. W., Harnish B. W. 1982. Transposition of a chromosomal segment bounded by redundant rRNA genes in Escherichia coli. J Bacteriology. 149:449–457) were transformed with the selected clone, called pLL1 (FIG. 1 and Sequence No. 24). Upon growing the colony in Luria Bertani (LB) medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 25 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 10% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the N-terminal region from the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-2 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by polyclonal antibodies (PA) anti-DEN-2 contained in the HMAF. This protein was denominated PLL1 (Sequence No. 25).

Example 2 Purification of the PLL1 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pLL1 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained preponderantly as insoluble form associated to the pellet of the cellular disruption. From the pellet the protein was extracted with urea 6 M and the supernatant, containing the PLL1 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The protein was eluted with Imidazole 50 mM and the obtained volume was loaded onto a G-25 column to finally obtain the protein in the formulation buffer NaCl 100 mM, KCl₂ 2 mM, Na₂HPO₄ 10 mM, pH 7.2, KH₂PO₄ 1 mM (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 3 Antigenic characterization of PLL1

The purified fraction of PLL1 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 1).

TABLE 1 Reactivity of PLL1 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PLL1* HMAF DEN-1 + HMAF DEN-2 ++ HMAF DEN-3 − HMAF DEN-4 − HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT + *A total of 10 μg of purified PLL1 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-2. This result coincides with the fact that the cloned region belongs to serotype 2. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was less than in the case of serotype 2, in decreasing order: DEN-1, DEN-3 and DEN4. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. On the other hand, the Mab 3H5 had reactivity indeed. This recognition by Western blotting relied on disulphide bond since when the sample was reduced the signal was lost. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-2 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Western blotting and Dot blotting.

Example 4 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PLL1

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 35 ug of purified PLL1 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-2 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 2 and table 5). In addition, the hemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA) was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-2 (table 3 and table 5). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1:320 against DEN-2 were obtained. However, no neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 4 and table 5). These results indicate the high serotype-specificity of the antibodies elicited by PLL1.

TABLE 2 Antibody titers against DEN-2 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PLL1. Titers Titers anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-2 Mouse PLL1 PBSControl (−) 1 1/128000 <1:100 2 1/64000 <1:100 3 1/64000 <1:100 4 1/128000 <1:100 5 1/32000 <1:100 6 1/32000 <1:100 7 1/64000 <1:100 8 1/32000 <1:100 9 1/128000 <1:100 10 1/512000 <1:100

TABLE 3 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PLL1. Titers by Titers by HI* anti-DEN-2 HI anti-DEN-2 Mouse PLL1 PBS C(−) 1 <1:5 <1:5 2 >1:640 <1:5 3  1:320 <1:5 4  1:320 <1:5 5 >1:640 <1:5 6 >1:640 <1:5 7 >1:640 <1:5 8  1:320 <1:5 9 >1:640 <1:5 10 <1:5 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 4 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PLL1. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers* titers anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-2 Mouse PLL1 PBS C(−) 1 1:320 <1:5 2 1:320 <1:5 3 1:320 <1:5 4 1:320 <1:5 5 1:80 <1:5 6 1:160 <1:5 7 1:320 <1:5 8 1:40 <1:5 9 1:160 <1:5 10 1:320 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 5 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PLL1. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1 (PLL1) <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 2 (PLL1) <1/100  1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PLL1 <1/5 >1/320 <1/5 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1 (PLL1) <1:5 1:320 <1:5 <1:5 2 (PLL1) <1:5 1:160 <1:5 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 5 Obtaining of PLL2

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-2 virus (Sec. Id. No. 22) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No. 1 and Sequence No. 3 from the DEN-2 virus strain genotype Jamaica (Deubel V., Kinney R. M., Trent D. W. Nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence of the nonstructural proteins of Dengue type 2 virus, Jamaica genotype: Comparative analysis of the full-length genome. Virology 1988.165:234–244).

The vector was created by digestion of the pM84 His plasmid with Xba I/Eco RI, which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the MDH protein and for a sequence of 6 histidines (Sequence No. 26). This digestion permits the insertion of the amplified fragment by PCR within the coding region for a structural domain of the MDH protein.

Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells MM294 (Hanahan D. 1983. Studies on transformation of Escherichia coli with plasmids. J. Mol. Biol. 166:557–580) were transformed with the selected clone, called pLL2 (FIG. 2 and Sequence No. 27). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 80 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 10% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the size of the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-2 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by a HMAF anti-DEN-2 and was denominated PLL2 (Sequence No. 28).

Example 6 Purification of the PLL2 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pLL2 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained in both forms: soluble and insoluble. From the soluble fraction a metal ions-affinity chromatography was done using the Chelating-sepharose FF column previously coupled with Cu⁺⁺ ions. The column was washed using Imidazolee 15 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazolee 100 mM. On the other hand, the protein associated to the insoluble fraction was extracted using Urea 8 M, and the supernatant, containing the PLL2 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The protein was eluted with Imidazolee 100 mM. Finally, the pure fraction of each form of the protein were loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation buffer NaCl 100 mM, KCl₂ 2 mM, Na₂HPO₄ 10 mM, pH 7.2, KH₂PO₄ 1 mM (PBS). This preparations were used for immunological studies.

Example 7 Antigenic characterization of PLL2

The purified fraction of PLL2 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 6).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-2. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was less than in the case of serotype 2, in decreasing order: DEN-1, DEN-3 and DEN4. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Nevertheless, related to the Mab 3H5, a great reactivity was observed (even higher than those obtained with the PLL1) either by Dot blot and Western blot. Contrariously to the PLL1 results, the recognition with the Mab 3H5 was the same when the reducing agents are present in the sample, indicating a possible conformational difference between both proteins. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-2 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Western blotting and Dot blotting.

TABLE 6 Reactivity of PLL2 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PLL2 sol, ins* HMAF DEN-1 ++ HMAF DEN-2 +++ HMAF DEN-3 − HMAF DEN-4 − HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT +++ *A total of 10 μg of purified PLL2 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 8 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PLL2

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 35 ug of purified PLL2 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-2 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 7 and table 10). In addition, the hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI) was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-2 (table 8 and table 10). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1: 1280 against DEN-2 were obtained. Similarly to the results obtained with PLL1, no neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 9 and table 10). On the other hand, the results obtained with both variants of PLL2 were similar, indicating that the solubility status of the protein do not influece in the capacity of generating functional antibodies.

TABLE 7 Antibody titers against DEN-2 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PLL2 soluble and insoluble. Titers Titers anti-DEN-2 (PLL2) anti-DEN-2 Mouse PLL2 s PLL2 ins PBS C(−) 1 >1:128000  1:64000 <1:100 2  1:128000 >1:128000 <1:100 3 >1:128000  1:128000 <1:100 4 >1:128000 >1:128000 <1:100 5  1:64000 >1:128000 <1:100 6 >1:128000  1:128000 <1:100 7  1:64000 >1:128000 <1:100 8 >1:128000  1:64000 <1:100 9 >1:128000  1:64000 <1:100 10  1:128000 >1:128000 <1:100

TABLE 8 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PLL2 soluble and insoluble. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-2 (PLL2) anti-DEN-2 Mouse PLL2 s PLL2 ins PBS C(−) 1 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 2 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 3  1:320 >1:640 <1:5 4 >1:640  1:320 <1:5 5  1:320 <1:5 <1:5 6 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 7 >1:640  1:320 <1:5 8 <1:5  1:320 <1:5 9  1:320 >1:640 <1:5 10 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 9 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PLL2 soluble and insoluble. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers* titers anti-DEN-2 (PLL2) anti-DEN-2 Mouse PLL2 s PLL2 ins PBS C(−) 1 >1:1280 >1:1280 >1:1280 2 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 3 >1:1280  1:640 <1:5 4  1:640 >1:1280 <1:5 5  1:640  1:640 <1:5 6 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 7 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 8 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 9 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 10 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 10 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PLL2 soluble and insoluble. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1 (PLL2 sol.) <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 2 (PLL2 sol.) <1/100  1:64000 <1/100 <1/100 1 (PLL2 ins.) <1/100  1:64000 <1/100 <1/100 2 (PLL2 ins.) <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PLL2 sol. <1/5 >1/320 <1/5 <1/5 PLL2 ins. <1/5 >1/320 <1/5 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1 (PLL2) <1:5 1:320 <1:5 <1:5 2 (PLL2) <1:5 1:160 <1:5 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 9 Obtaining of pLL3

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-2 virus (Sec. Id. No. 22) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.4 and Sequence No.5 from the DEN-2 virus strain genotype Jamaica (Deubel V., Kinney R. M., Trent D. W. Nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence of the nonstructural proteins of Dengue type 2 virus, Jamaica genotype: Comparative analysis of the full-length genome. Virology 1988.165:234–244).

The vector was created by digestion of the pD4 plasmid with Bam HI/Bam HI which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the MDH protein and for a sequence of 6 histidines without stop codon (Sequence No. 29). This digestion permits to the fusion of the amplified fragment by PCR after the C-terminal region for the MDH protein. Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells W3110 were transformed with the selected clone, called pLL3 (FIG. 3 and Sequence No. 30). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 80 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 20% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the size of the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-2 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by a HMAFI anti-DEN-2 and was denominated PLL3 (Sequence No. 31).

Example 10 Purification of the PLL3 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pLL2 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained in both forms: soluble and insoluble. From the insoluble fraction, the protein was extracted using Urea 6 M, and the supernatant, containing the PLL3 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-Sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The colum was washed with Imidazolee 30 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazole 100 mM. Finally, the pure fraction of the protein was loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation buffer (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 11 Antigenic Characterization of PLL3

The purified fraction of PLL3 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 11).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-2. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 2, in decreasing order: DEN-1, DEN-3 and DEN-4. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Nevertheless, related to the Mab 3H5, a great reactivity was observed (similar to those obtained with the PLL2) either by Dot blot and Western blot. Contrariously to the PLL1 results, the recognition with the Mab 3H5 was the same when the reducing agents are present in the sample, indicating a possible conformational difference between both proteins. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-2 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Western blotting and Dot blotting. These results were similar to those obtained with PLL2.

TABLE 11 Reactivity of PLL3 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PLL3* HMAF DEN-1 ++ HMAF DEN-2 +++ HMAF DEN-3 − HMAF DEN-4 − HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT +++ *A total of 10 μg of purified PLL3 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 12 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PLL3

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 35 ug of purified PLL3 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-2 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 12 and table 15). In addition, the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-2 (table 13 and table 15). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1: 1280 against DEN-2 were obtained (table 14). No neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 15). Using the three tests, high levels of serotype-specific antibodies were detected, similar of those obtained after the immunization with the PLL2 protein.

TABLE 12 Antibody titers against DEN-2 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PLL3. Titers Titers anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-2 Mouse (PLL3) PBS C(−) 1  1:128000 <1:100 2 >1:128000 <1:100 3 >1:128000 <1:100 4  1:64000 <1:100 5 >1:128000 <1:100 6  1:64000 <1:100 7 >1:128000 <1:100 8 >1:128000 <1:100 9  1:128000 <1:100 10 >1:128000 <1:100

TABLE 13 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PLL3. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-2 Mouse (PLL3) PBS C(−) 1 >1:640 <1:5 2  1:320 <1:5 3  1:320 <1:5 4 >1:640 <1:5 5  1:320 <1:5 6 >1:640 <1:5 7 >1:640 <1:5 8 >1:640 <1:5 9  1:320 <1:5 10 >1:640 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 14 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PLL3. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers titers anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-2 Mouse PLL3 PBS C(−) 1 >1:1280 <1:5 2 >1:1280 <1:5 3 >1:1280 <1:5 4  1:640 <1:5 5 >1:1280 <1:5 6 >1:1280 <1:5 7 >1:1280 <1:5 8 >1:1280 <1:5 9  1:640 <1:5 10 >1:1280 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 15 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PLL3. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1(PLL3) <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 2(PLL3) <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PLL3 <1/5 >1/320 <1/5 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers*** titers*** titers*** of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PLL3) <1:5 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 2(PLL3) <1:5 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 13 Obtaining of pLH1

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-1 virus (Sec. Id. No. 32) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.6 and Sequence No.7 from the DEN-1 virus strain genotype (Chu M. C., O'Rourke E. J., Trent D. W. Genetic relatedness among structural protein genes of dengue 1 virus strains. J. Gen. Virol. 1989. 70:1701–1712).

The vector was created by digestion of the pM108 His plasmid with Xba I/Bam HI, which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the N-terminal region of the MDH and for a sequence of 6 histidines (Sequence No. 23). Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells W3110 were transformed with the selected clone, called pLH1 (FIG. 4 and Sequence No.33). Upon growing the colony in Luria Bertani (LB) medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 25 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 10% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the N-terminal region from the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-1 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by polyclonal antibodies (PA) anti-DEN-1 contained in the HMAF. This protein was denominated PLH1 (Sequence No.34).

Example 14 Purification of the Protein PLH1

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pLH1 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained preponderantly as insoluble form associated to the pellet of the cellular disruption. From the pellet, the protein was extracted with urea 7 M and the supernatant, containing the PLH1 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The protein was eluted with Imidazolee 60 mM and the obtained volume was loaded onto a G-25 column to finally obtain the protein in the formulation buffer (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 15 Antigenic Characterization of PLH1

The purified fraction of PLH1 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 16).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-1. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 1. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-1 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Western blotting and Dot blotting.

TABLE 16 Reactivity of PLH1 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies Abs** Specificity*** PLH1 HMAF DEN-1 ++ HMAF DEN-2 + HMAF DEN-3 − HMAF DEN-4 − HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PLH1 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 16 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PLH1

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 35 ug of purified PLH1 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-1 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 17 and table 20). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-1 (table 18 and table 20). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1:320 against DEN-1 were obtained. However, no neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 19 and table 20). These results indicate the high serotype-specificity of the antibodies elicited by PLH1.

TABLE 17 Antibody titers against DEN-1 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PLH1. Titers Titers anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1 Mouse (PLH1) PBS C(−) 1 1/64000 <1:100 2 1/128000 <1:100 3 1/64000 <1:100 4 1/32000 <1:100 5 1/32000 <1:100 6 1/64000 <1:100 7 1/128000 <1:100 8 1/64000 <1:100 9 1/128000 <1:100 10 1/128000 <1:100

TABLE 18 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PLH1. Titers by HI* Titers by HI* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1 Mouse (PLH1) PBS C(−) 1 >1:640 <1:5 2  1:320 <1:5 3 >1:640 <1:5 4 >1:640 <1:5 5 >1:640 <1:5 6  1:320 <1:5 7  1:40 <1:5 8  1:320 <1:5 9 >1:640 <1:5 10 <1:5 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 19 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PLH1. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers* titers* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1 Mouse (PLH1) PBS C(−) 1 1:80 <1:5 2 1:320 <1:5 3 1:40 <1:5 4 1:320 <1:5 5 1:80 <1:5 6 1:160 <1:5 7 1:320 <1:5 8 1:320 <1:5 9 1:320 <1:5 10 1:320 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 20 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PLH1. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1 (PLH1)  1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 2 (PLH1) >1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PLH1 >1:320 <1/5 <1/5 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers*** titers*** titers*** of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PLH1) 1:160 <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 2(PLH1) 1:320 <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 17 Obtaining of pLH2

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-1 virus (Sequence No. 32) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.6 and Sequence No.8 from a DEN-1 viral strain (Chu M. C., O'Rourke E. J., Trent D. W. Genetic relatedness among structural protein genes of dengue 1 virus strains. J. Gen. Virol. 1989. 70:1701–1712).

The vector was created by digestion of the pM84 His plasmid with Xba I/Eco RI, which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the MDH protein and for a sequence of 6 histidines (Sequence No. 26). This digestion permits the insertion of the amplified fragment by PCR within the coding region for a structural domain of the MDH protein. Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells MM294 were transformed with the selected clone, called pLH2 (FIG. 5 and Sequence No.35). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 80 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 20% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the size of the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-1 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by a HMAF anti-DEN-1 and was denominated PLH2 (Sequence No.36).

Example 18 Purification of the PLH2 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pLH2 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained in both forms: soluble and insoluble. The protein associated to the insoluble fraction was extracted using Urea 7 M, and the supernatant, containing the PLH2 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The column was washed with Imidazolee 40 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazole 100 mM. Finally, the pure fraction was loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 19 Antigenic Characterization of PLH2

The purified fraction of PLH2 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 21).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-1 (higher than those obtained with PLH1). The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 1. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against five human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-1 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Western blotting and Dot blotting.

TABLE 21 Reactivity of PLH2 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PLH2 HMAF DEN-1 +++ HMAF DEN-2 + HMAF DEN-3 − HMAF DEN-4 − HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PLH2 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 20 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PLH2

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 20 ug of purified PLH2 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-1 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 22 and table 25). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-1 (table 23 and table 25). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1: 1280 against DEN-1 were obtained (table 24). No neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes. (table 25).

TABLE 22 Antibody titers against DEN-1 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PLH2. Titers Titers anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1 Mouse (PLH2) PBS C(−) 1  1:128000 <1:100 2 >1:128000 <1:100 3  1:64000 <1:100 4 >1:128000 <1:100 5  1:128000 <1:100 6  1:64000 <1:100 7 >1:128000 <1:100 8  1:128000 <1:100 9 >1:128000 <1:100 10 >1:128000 <1:100

TABLE 23 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PLH2. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1 Mouse (PLH2) PBS C(−) 1 <1:5 <1:5 2 >1:640 <1:5 3  1:320 <1:5 4  1:320 <1:5 5 >1:640 <1:5 6 >1:640 <1:5 7 >1:640 <1:5 8  1:320 <1:5 9 >1:640 <1:5 10 <1:5 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 24 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PLH2. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers* titers* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1. Mouse (PLH2) C(−) 1 >1:1280 <1:5 2 >1:1280 <1:5 3 >1:1280 <1:5 4 >1:1280 <1:5 5 >1:1280 <1:5 6 >1:1280 <1:5 7 >1:1280 <1:5 8 >1:1280 <1:5 9  1:640 <1:5 10 >1:1280 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 25 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PLH2. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1 (PLH2)  1:64000 <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 2 (PLH2) >1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PLH2 >1/320 <1/5 <1/5 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PLH2) >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 2(PLH2) >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 21 Obtaining of pLH3

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-1 virus (Sec. Id. No. 32) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.9 and Sequence No.10 from the DEN-1 virus strain (Chu M. C., O'Rourke E. J., Trent D. W. Genetic relatedness among structural protein genes of dengue 1 virus strain. J. Gen. Virol.1989. 70:1701–1712).

The vector was created by digestion of the pD4 plasmid with Bam HI/Bam HI which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the MDH protein and for a sequence of 6 histidines without stop codon (Sequence No.29). This digestion permits the fusion of the amplified fragment by PCR after the C-terminal region for the MDH protein. Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells W3110 were transformed with the selected clone, called pLH3 (FIG. 6 and Sequence No.37). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 80 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 20% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the size of the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-1 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by a HMAF anti-DEN-1 and was denominated PLH3 (Sequence No.38).

Example 22 Purification of the PLH3 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pLH3 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained in both forms: soluble and insoluble. From the insoluble fraction, the protein was extracted using Urea 6 M, and the supernatant, containing the PLH3 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-Sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The colum was washed with Imidazolee 30 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazole 250 mM. Finally, the pure fraction of the protein was loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation buffer (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 23 Antigenic characterization of PLH3

The purified fraction of PLH3 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 26).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-1. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 1. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-1 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Dot blotting and Western blotting.

TABLE 26 Reactivity of PLH3 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PLH3 HMAF DEN-1 +++ HMAF DEN-2 + HMAF DEN-3 − HMAF DEN-4 − HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PLH3 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 24 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PLH3

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 20 ug of purified PLH3 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-1 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 27 and table 30). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-1 (table 28 and table 30). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1: 1280 against DEN-1 were obtained (table 29). No neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 30).

TABLE 27 Antibody titers against DEN-1 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PLH3. Titers Titers anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1 Mouse PLH3 PBSControl (−) 1  1:64000 <1:100 2 >1:128000 <1:100 3  1:64000 <1:100 4 >1:128000 <1:100 5  1:128000 <1:100 6  1:128000 <1:100 7  1:128000 <1:100 8 >1:128000 <1:100 9  1:64000 <1:100 10 >1:128000 <1:100

TABLE 28 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PLH3. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1 Mouse PLH3 PBS C(−) 1  1:320 <1:5 2 >1:640 <1:5 3 >1:640 <1:5 4  1:320 <1:5 5  1:320 <1:5 6 >1:640 <1:5 7  1:320 <1:5 8 <1:5 <1:5 9 >1:640 <1:5 10 >1:640 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 29 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PLH3. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers* titers* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-1 Mouse PLH3 PBS C(−) 1 >1:1280 <1:5 2 >1:1280 <1:5 3 >1:1280 <1:5 4  1:640 <1:5 5  1:640 <1:5 6 >1:1280 <1:5 7 >1:1280 <1:5 8 >1:1280 <1:5 9 >1:1280 <1:5 10 >1:1280 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 30 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PLH3. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) anti DEN-2) anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN- 4) 1(PLH3)  1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 2(PLH3) >1:128000 <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PLH3 >1/320 <1/5 <1/5 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PLH3) >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 2(PLH3) >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 25 Obtaining of pAZ1

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-3 virus (Seq. 39) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No. 11 and Sequence No.12 from the DEN-3 virus strain genotype (Osatomi K., Sumiyoshi H. Complete nucleotide sequence of dengue type 3 virus genome RNA. Virology.1990. 176(2):643–647).

The vector was created by digestion of the pM108 His plasmid with Xba I/Bam HI, which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the N-terminal region of the MDH and for a sequence of 6 histidines (Sequence No. 23). Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells W3110 were transformed with the selected clone, called pAZ1 (FIG. 7 and Sequence No.40). Upon growing the colony in Luria Bertani (LB) medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 25 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 10% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the N-terminal region from the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-3 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by polyclonal antibodies (PA) anti-DEN-3 contained in the HMAF. This protein was denominated PAZ1 (Sequence No.41).

Example 26 Purification of the Protein PAZ1

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pAZ1 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained preponderantly as insoluble form associated to the pellet of the cellular disruption. From the pellet, the protein was extracted with urea 7 M and the supernatant, containing the PLH1 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The protein was eluted with Imidazolee 60 mM and the obtained volume was loaded onto a G-25 column to finally obtain the protein in the formulation buffer (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 27 Antigenic Characterization of PAZ1

The purified fraction of PAZ1 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 31).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-3. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 3. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-3 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Dot blotting Western blotting.

TABLE 31 Reactivity of PAZ1 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PAZ1 HMAF DEN-1 − HMAF DEN-2 + HMAF DEN-3 ++ HMAF DEN-4 + HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PAZ1 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 28 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PAZ1

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 35 ug of purified PAZ1 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-1 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 32 and table 35). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-3 (table 33 and table 35). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1:320 against DEN-3 were obtained. However, no neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 34 and table 35). These results indicate the high serotype-specificity of the antibodies elicited by PAZ1.

TABLE 32 Antibody titers against DEN-3 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PAZ1. Titers Titers anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ1 PBSControl (−) 1 1/64000 <1:100 2 1/128000 <1:100 3 1/32000 <1:100 4 1/64000 <1:100 5 1/64000 <1:100 6 1/128000 <1:100 7 1/64000 <1:100 8 1/64000 <1:100 9 1/128000 <1:100 10 1/128000 <1:100

TABLE 33 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PAZ1. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ1 PBS C(−) 1 >1:640 <1:5 2  1:320 <1:5 3  1:320 <1:5 4  1:640 <1:5 5 <1/5 <1:5 6  1:320 <1:5 7 <1/5 <1:5 8  1:320 <1:5 9 >1:640 <1:5 10 >1:640 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 34 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PAZ1. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers titers anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ1 PBS C(−) 1 1:160 <1:5 2 1:320 <1:5 3 1:320 <1:5 4 1:320 <1:5 5 1:40 <1:5 6 1:40 <1:5 7 1:320 <1:5 8 1:320 <1:5 9 1:160 <1:5 10 1:320 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 35 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PAZ1. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti-DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1 (PAZ1) <1/100 <1/100  1:64000 <1/100 2 (PAZ1) <1/100 <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PAZ1 <1/5 <1/5 >1:320 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PAZ1) <1:5 <1:5 1:320 <1:5 2(PAZ1) <1:5 <1:5 1:320 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 29 Obtaining of pAZ2

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-3 virus (Sequence No.39) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.11 and Sequence No.13 from a DEN-3 viral strain (Osatomi K., Sumiyoshi H. Complete nucleotide sequence of dengue type 3 virus genome RNA. Virology. 1990.176(2):643–647).

The vector was created by digestion of the pM84 His plasmid with Xba I/Eco RI, which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the MDH protein and for a sequence of 6 histidines (Sequence No. 26). This digestion permits the insertion of the amplified fragment by PCR within the coding region for a structural domain of the MDH protein. Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells MM294 were transformed with the selected clone, called pAZ2 (FIG. 8 and Sequence No.42). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 80 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 20% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the size of the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-3 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by a HMAF anti-DEN-3 and was denominated PAZ2 (Sequence No.43).

Example 30 Purification of the PAZ2 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pAZ2 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained in both forms: soluble and insoluble. The protein associated to the insoluble fraction was extracted using Urea 7 M, and the supernatant, containing the PAZ2 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The column was washed with Imidazolee 40 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazole 100 mM. Finally, the pure fraction was loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 31 Antigenic Characterization of PAZ2

The purified fraction of PAZ2 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 36).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-3 (higher than those obtained with PAZ1). The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 3. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against five human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-3 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Western blotting and Dot blotting.

TABLE 36 Reactivity of PAZ2 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PAZ2 HMAF DEN-1 − HMAF DEN-2 − HMAF DEN-3 +++ HMAF DEN-4 + HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PAZ2 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype

Example 32 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PAZ2

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 20 ug of purified PAZ2 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-3 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 37 and table 40). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-3 (table 38 and table 40). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1: 1280 against DEN-3 were obtained (table 39). No neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 40).

TABLE 37 Antibody titers against DEN-3 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PAZ2. Titers Titers anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ2 PBS Control (−) 1 >1:128000 <1:100 2  1:128000 <1:100 3 >1:128000 <1:100 4 >1:128000 <1:100 5  1:128000 <1:100 6 >1:128000 <1:100 7  1:64000 <1:100 8 >1:128000 <1:100 9  1:64000 <1:100 10 >1:128000 <1:100

TABLE 38 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PAZ2. Titers Titers anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ2 PBS 1 >1:640 <1:5 2  1:320 <1:5 3 >1:640 <1:5 4 >1:640 <1:5 5 >1:640 <1:5 6  1:320 <1:5 7 <1:5 <1:5 8  1:320 <1:5 9 >1:640 <1:5 10 >1:640 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 39 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PAZ2. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers titers anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ2 PBS C(−) 1 >1:1280 <1:5 2 >1:1280 <1:5 3 >1:1280 <1:5 4 >1:1280 <1:5 5 >1:1280 <1:5 6  1:640 <1:5 7 >1:1280 <1:5 8  1:640 <1:5 9 >1:1280 <1:5 10  1:640 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 40 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PAZ2. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1(PAZ2) <1/100 <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 2(PAZ2) <1/100 <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PAZ2 <1/5 <1/5 >1/320 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PAZ2) <1:5 <1:5 >1:1280 <1:5 2(PAZ2) <1:5 <1:5 >1:1280 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 33 Obtaining of pAZ3

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-3 virus (Seq. 39) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.14 and Sequence No.15 from the DEN-3 viral strain (Osatomi K., Sumiyoshi H. Complete nucleotide sequence of dengue type 3 virus genome RNA. Virology.1990. 176(2):643–647).

The vector was created by digestion of the pD4 plasmid with Bam HI/Bam HI which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the MDH protein and for a sequence of 6 histidines without stop codon (Sequence No.29). This digestion permits the fusion of the amplified fragment by PCR after the C-terminal region for the MDH protein. Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells W3110 were transformed with the selected clone, called pAZ3 (FIG. 9 and Sequence No.44). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 80 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 20% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the size of the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-3 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by a HMAF anti-DEN-3 and was denominated PAZ3 (Sequence No.45).

Example 34 Purification of the PAZ3 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pAZ3 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained in both forms: soluble and insoluble. From the insoluble fraction, the protein was extracted using Urea 7 M, and the supernatant, containing the PAZ3 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-Sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The colum was washed with Imidazolee 45 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazole 230 mM. Finally, the pure fraction of the protein was loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation buffer (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 35 Antigenic Characterization of PAZ3

The purified fraction of PAZ3 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 26).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-3. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 3. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-3 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Dot blotting and Western blotting.

TABLE 41 Reactivity of PAZ3 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PAZ3 HMAF DEN-1 − HMAF DEN-2 − HMAF DEN-3 +++ HMAF DEN-4 + HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PAZ3 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 36 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PAZ3

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 20 ug of purified PAZ3 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-3 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 42 and table 45). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-3 (table 43 and table 45). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1: 1280 against DEN-3 were obtained (table 44). No neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 45).

TABLE 42 Antibody titers against DEN-3 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PAZ3. Titers Titers anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ3 PBSControl (−) 1 >1:128000 <1:100 2  1:128000 <1:100 3 >1:128000 <1:100 4  1:128000 <1:100 5  1:128000 <1:100 6 >1:128000 <1:100 7 >1:128000 <1:100 8  1:128000 <1:100 9  1:128000 <1:100 10 >1:128000 <1:100

TABLE 43 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PAZ3. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ3 PBS C(−) 1 >1:640 <1:5 2 >1:640 <1:5 3  1:320 <1:5 4 <1:5 <1:5 5 >1:640 <1:5 6 <1:5 <1:5 7  1:320 <1:5 8 >1:640 <1:5 9 >1:640 <1:5 10  1:320 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 44 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PAZ3. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers titers anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-3 Mouse PAZ3 PBS C(−) 1 >1:1280 <1:5 2  1:640 <1:5 3 >1:1280 <1:5 4 >1:1280 <1:5 5 >1:1280 <1:5 6 >1:1280 <1:5 7 >1:1280 <1:5 8 >1:1280 <1:5 9 >1:1280 <1:5 10 >1:1280 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 45 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PAZ3. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1(PAZ3) <1/100 <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 2(PAZ3) <1/100 <1/100  1:128000 <1/100 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PAZ3 <1/5 <1/5 >1/320 <1/5 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PAZ3) <1:5 <1:5 >1:1280 <1:5 2(PAZ3) <1:5 <1:5 >1:1280 <1:5 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 37 Obtaining of pID1

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-4 virus (Sequence No.46) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.17 and Sequence No.18 from the DEN4 virus strain genotype (Zhao B., Mackow E. R., Buckler-White A. J., Markoff L., Chancock R. M., Lai C. -J., Makino Y. Cloning full-length Dengue type 4 viral DNA sequences: Analysis of genes coding for structural proteins. Virology 1986. 155:77–88).

The vector was created by digestion of the pM108 His plasmid with Xba I/Bam HI, which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the N-terminal region of the MDH and for a sequence of 6 histidines (Sequence No. 23). Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells W3110 were transformed with the selected clone, called pID1 (FIG. 10 and Sequence No.47). Upon growing the colony in Luria Bertani (LB) medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 25 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 10% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the N-terminal region from the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-4 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by polyclonal antibodies (PA) anti-DEN4 contained in the HMAF. This protein was denominated PID1 (Sequence No.48).

Example 38 Purification of the Protein PID1

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pID1 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained preponderantly as insoluble form associated to the pellet of the cellular disruption. From the pellet, the protein was extracted with urea 6 M and the supernatant, containing the PID1 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The protein was eluted with Imidazolee 60 mM and the obtained volume was loaded onto a G-25 column to finally obtain the protein in the formulation buffer (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 39 Antigenic Characterization of PID1

The purified fraction of PID1 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 46).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN4. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 4. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN4 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Dot blotting Western blotting.

TABLE 46 Reactivity of PID1 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PID1 HMAF DEN-1 − HMAF DEN-2 − HMAF DEN-3 + HMAF DEN-4 ++ HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PID1 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 40 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PID1

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 35 ug of purified PID1 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-1 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 47 and table 50). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-4 (table 48 and table 50). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1:320 against DEN-4 were obtained. However, no neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 49 and table 50). These results indicate the high serotype-specificity of the antibodies elicited by PID1.

TABLE 47 Antibody titers against DEN-4 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PID1. Titers Titers anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse PID1 PBS Control (−) 1 1/128000 <1:100 2 1/128000 <1:100 3 1/64000 <1:100 4 1/64000 <1:100 5 1/128000 <1:100 6 1/32000 <1:100 7 1/128000 <1:100 8 1/32000 <1:100 9 1/128000 <1:100 10 1/128000 <1:100

TABLE 48 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PID1. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse PID1 PBS C(−) 1 1:320 <1:5 2 1:320 <1:5 3 1:640 <1:5 4 1:40 <1:5 5 <1/5 <1:5 6 1:320 <1:5 7 1:640 <1:5 8 1:640 <1:5 9 1:40 <1:5 10 1:320 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 49 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PID1. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers titers anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse PID1 PBS C(−) 1 1:320 <1:5 2 1:80 <1:5 3 1:320 <1:5 4 1:320 <1:5 5 1:160 <1:5 6 1:320 <1:5 7 1:320 <1:5 8 1:320 <1:5 9 1:160 <1:5 10 1:40 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 50 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PID1. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1(PID1) <1/100 <1/100 <1/100  1:64000 2(PID1) <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 >1:128000 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PID1 <1/5 <1/5 <1/5 >1:320 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PID1) <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 1:160 2(PID1) <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 1:320 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 41 Obtaining of pID2

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN-4 virus (Sequence No.46) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.16 and Sequence No.18 from a DEN-4 viral strain (Zhao B., Mackow E. R., Buckler-White A. J., Markoff L., Chancock R. M., Lai C. -J., Makino Y. Cloning full-length Dengue type 4 viral DNA sequences: Analysis of genes coding for structural proteins. Virology 1986.155:77–88. The vector was created by digestion of the pM84 His plasmid with Xba I/Eco RI, which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the MDH protein and for a sequence of 6 histidines (Sequence No. 26). This digestion permits the insertion of the amplified fragment by PCR within the coding region for a structural domain of the MDH protein. Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells MM294 were transformed with the selected clone, called pID2 (FIG. 11 and Sequence No.49). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 80 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 20% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the size of the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN-4 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by a HMAF anti-DEN4 and was denominated PID2 (Sequence No.50).

Example 42 Purification of the PID2 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pID2 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained in both forms: soluble and insoluble. The protein associated to the insoluble fraction was extracted using Urea 6 M, and the supernatant, containing the PID2 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The column was washed with Imidazolee 30 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazole 250 mM. Finally, the pure fraction was loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 43 Antigenic Characterization of PID2

The purified fraction of PID2 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 51).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN4 (higher than those obtained with PID1). The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 4. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against five human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN-3 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Western blotting and Dot blotting.

TABLE 51 Reactivity of PID2 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PID2 HMAF DEN-1 − HMAF DEN-2 − HMAF DEN-3 + HMAF DEN-4 +++ HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PID2 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 44 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PID2

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 20 ug of purified PID2 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-4 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 52 and table 55). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-4 (table 53 and table 55). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1: 1280 against DEN-4 were obtained (table 54). No neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 55).

TABLE 52 Antibody titers against DEN-4 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PID2. Titers Titers anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse PID2 PBSControl (−) 1  1:64000 <1:100 2 >1:128000 <1:100 3  1:128000 <1:100 4 >1:128000 <1:100 5  1:64000 <1:100 6 >1:128000 <1:100 7 >1:128000 <1:100 8 >1:128000 <1:100 9 >1:128000 <1:100 10  1:128000 <1:100

TABLE 53 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PID2. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse (PID2) PBS C(−) 1 1:320 <1:5 2 1:320 <1:5 3 1:640 <1:5 4 1:40 <1:5 5 <1/5 <1:5 6 1:320 <1:5 7 1:640 <1:5 8 1:640 <1:5 9 1:40 <1:5 10 1:320 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 54 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PID2. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers titers anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse PID2 PBS C(−) 1 >1:1280 <1:5 2 >1:1280 <1:5 3 >1:1280 <1:5 4 >1:1280 <1:5 5  1:640 <1:5 6 >1:1280 <1:5 7 >1:1280 <1:5 8 >1:1280 <1:5 9  1:640 <1:5 10 >1:1280 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 55 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PID2. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1(PID2) <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 >1:128000 2(PID2) <1/100 <1/100 <1/100  1:64000 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PID2 <1/5 <1/5 <1/5 >1/320 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PID2) <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 >1:1280 2(PID2) <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 >1:1280 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 45 Obtaining of pID3

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids from 286 to 426 of the envelope protein from the DEN4 virus (Sequence No.46) was amplified with the oligonucleotides identified in the list of sequences as Sequence No.19 and Sequence No.20 from the DEN4 viral strain (Zhao B., Mackow E. R., Buckler-White A. J., Markoff L., Chancock R. M., Lai C. -J., Makino Y. Cloning full-length Dengue type 4 viral DNA sequences: Analysis of genes coding for structural proteins. Virology 1986.155:77–88).

The vector was created by digestion of the pD4 plasmid with Bam HI/Bam HI which contains the nucleotide sequence that codifies for the MDH protein and for a sequence of 6 histidines without stop codon (Sequence No.29). This digestion permits the fusion of the amplified fragment by PCR after the C-terminal region for the MDH protein. Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells W3110 were transformed with the selected clone, called pID3 (FIG. 12 and Sequence No.51). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 80 kDA band was obtained, which accounted for 20% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the size of the MDH protein and the DENe protein fragment from the DEN4 virus. The protein was recognized in Immunoblotting by a HMAF anti-DEN-4 and was denominated PID3 (Sequence No.52).

Example 46 Purification of the Protein PID3

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pID3 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained in both forms: soluble and insoluble. From the insoluble fraction, the protein was extracted using Urea 6 M, and the supernatant, containing the PID3 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-Sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. The colum was washed with Imidazolee 45 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazole 200 mM. Finally, the pure fraction of the protein was loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation buffer (PBS). This preparation was used for immunological studies.

Example 47 Antigenic Characterization of PID3

The purified fraction of PID3 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 56).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN4. The recognition by HMAF against the other serotypes was lower than in the case of serotype 4. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. Finally, the reactivity against three human sera of high titers and three of low titers against DEN4 was measured, achieving a substantial signal in both cases by Dot blotting and Western blotting.

TABLE 56 Reactivity of PID3 protein to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PID3 HMAF DEN-1 − HMAF DEN-2 − HMAF DEN-3 + HMAF DEN-4 +++ HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PID3 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 48 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PID3

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 20 ug of purified PAZ3 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-4 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 57 and table 60). In addition, the HI assay was done and only positive titers were found against DEN4 (table 58 and table 60). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of 1: 1280 against DEN4 were obtained (table 59). No neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 60).

TABLE 57 Antibody titers against DEN-4 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PID3. Titers Titers anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse (PID3) PBSControl (−) 1 >1:128000 <1:100 2 >1:128000 <1:100 3 >1:128000 <1:100 4  1:64000 <1:100 5  1:64000 <1:100 6 >1:128000 <1:100 7  1:128000 <1:100 8 >1:128000 <1:100 9  1:128000 <1:100 10 >1:128000 <1:100

TABLE 58 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PID3. Titers by HI* Titers by HI anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse PID3 PBS C(−) 1 >1:640 <1:5 2  1:320 <1:5 3 >1:640 <1:5 4 >1:640 <1:5 5 <1:5 <1:5 6 >1:640 <1:5 7  1:320 <1:5 8 >1:640 <1:5 9  1:320 <1:5 10 >1:640 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 59 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PID3. Neutralizing Neutralizing titers* titers anti-DEN-4 anti-DEN-4 Mouse PID3 PBS C(−) 1 >1:1280 <1:5 2 >1:1280 <1:5 3 >1:1280 <1:5 4 >1:1280 <1:5 5 >1:1280 <1:5 6 >1:1280 <1:5 7 >1:1280 <1:5 8  1:640 <1:5 9 >1:1280 <1:5 10 >1:1280 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 60 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PID3. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1(PID3) <1/100 <1/100 <1/100 >1:128000 2(PID3) <1/100 <1/100 <1/100  1:128000 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PID3 <1/5 <1/5 <1/5 >1/320 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture of titers*** titers titers titers sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PID3) <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 >1:1280 2(PID3) <1:5 <1:5 <1:5 >1/1280 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 49 Obtaining of pD4D2

The nucleotide sequence that codifies for the amino acids 286 to 426 of the E protein from the DEN-4 virus (Sequence No.46) was amplified with the oligonuclotides identified in the sequencing list as Sequence No.16 and Sequence No.21 from the viral strain of DEN-4 (Zhao B., Mackow E. R., Buckler-White A. J., Markoff L., Chancock R. M., Lai C. -J., Makino Y. Cloning full-length Dengue type 4 viral DNA sequences: Analysis of genes coding for structural proteins. Virology 1986. 155:77–88).

The vector was created by digestion Xba/Xba I of the pLL3 plasmid, which contains the MDH gene plus a sequence of 6 histidines in the 3′ region of the gene and the sequence of the E fragment from DEN-2 in the 3′ end. As result, two regions of the E protein from serotypes 2 and 4 were obtained, fused to the same MDH gene. Upon ligation, the potential recombinants were analyzed by restriction enzyme digestion and positive clones were sequenced to check up the junctions. Competent cells MM294 were transformed with the selected clone, called pD4D2 (FIG. 13 and Sequence No.53). Upon growing the colony in LB medium, a SDS-PAGE of the cellular lysate was done. As a result a 110 kDa band was obtained, which accounted for 20% of the total cellular proteins. The size of the protein obtained corresponded to the sum of the MDH protein and the two fragments of the DENe protein from Dengue virus. This protein was recognized by polyclonal antibodies anti-DEN-2 and anti-DEN-4 contained in the HMAF. This protein was denominated PD4D2 (Sequence No.54).

Example 50 Purification of the PD4D2 Protein

The biomass obtained from the E. coli strain transformed with pD4D2 and grown at 37° C. was disrupted by French press. The recombinant protein was obtained either soluble or insoluble. From the pellet the protein was extracted with urea 6 M and the supernatant, containing the PD4D2 protein, was loaded onto a G-25 column to eliminate the chaotropic agent. The fraction obtained was then loaded onto the Chelating-sepharose FF column (Pharmacia, UK), in the presence of Cu⁺⁺ ions. A washing step was done with Imidazolee 30 mM and the protein was eluted with Imidazole 250 mM. Finally, the pure preparation was loaded onto a G-25 column to obtain the protein in the formulation buffer and use it for immunological studies.

Example 51 Antigenic Characterization of PD4D2

The purified fraction of PD4D2 was characterized either by its recognition by different polyclonal sera and/or murine monoclonal antibodies, as well as by positive human sera to Dengue (table 61).

The highest recognitions in Dot blotting were obtained with the HMAF anti-DEN-2 and anti-DEN-4. The recognition of the two other serotypes was less than for the case of serotypes 2 and 4. The antibodies generated by other flavivirus like the Yellow Fever virus and the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus had not any recognition at all. On the other hand, the Mab 3H5 had reactivity indeed, similar to that obtained for PLL2 and PLL3.

Finally, the reactivity against human sera of high and low titers against DEN-2 and DEN-4 was measured, achieving a substantial signal for both cases by Western blotting and Dot blotting.

TABLE 61 Reactivity of PD4D2 protein against monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Abs** Specificity*** PD4D2 HMAF DEN-1 − HMAF DEN-2 +++ HMAF DEN-3 − HMAF DEN-4 +++ HMAF EEE − HMAF YFV − HMAF SLV − Mab 3H5 NT − *A total of 10 μg of purified PD4D2 was applied. The intensity of the signal obtained was evaluated from + to ++. **HMAF were used 1:100 while the Mab 3H5 was used in dilution 1:1000. ***EEE: Equine Encephalitis virus. YFV: Yellow Fever virus. SLV: Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. NT: Neutralizing specific-serotype.

Example 52 Characterization of the Antibody Response Generated by PD4D2

A total of 25 Balb/c mice were i.p immunized with 20 ug of purified PD4D2 in Freund adjuvant; 10 animals were bled after four doses and the antibodies anti-DEN were evaluated by ELISA. High antibody titers against DEN-2 and DEN4 were obtained while, no reactivity was obtained against the rest of the serotypes (table 62 and table 65). In addition, the hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI) was done and only positive titers were found against DEN-2 and DEN-4 (table 63 and table 65). Finally, the in vitro neutralization assay was done and neutralization titers of >1:1280 against DEN-2 and >1:1280 against DEN-4 were obtained (table 64). No neutralization of the viral infection was found against the rest of the serotypes (table 65).

TABLE 62 Antibody titers against DEN-2 and DEN-4 from the sera obtained upon immunization of mice with PD4D2. Titers by ELISA Titers by ELISA (PD4D2) PBS C(−) Mouse Anti-DEN-4 Anti-DEN-2 Anti-DEN-4 Anti-DEN-2 1 >1:128000 >1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 2  1:128000  1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 3 >1:128000 >1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 4 >1:128000 >1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 5  1:64000 >1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 6 >1:128000  1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 7  1:64000 >1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 8 >1:128000 >1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 9 >1:128000  1:128000 <1:100 <1:100 10  1:128000 >1:128000 <1:100 <1:100

TABLE 63 Titers by HI of the sera from the animals immunized with PD4D2. Titers by HI (PD4D2) Titers by HI PBS C(−) Mouse Anti-DEN-4 Anti-DEN-2 Anti-DEN-4 Anti-DEN-2 1 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 <1:5 2 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 <1:5 3 >1:640  1:320 <1:5 <1:5 4 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 <1:5 5  1:320  1:640 <1:5 <1:5 6 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 <1:5 7 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 <1:5 8  1:320  1:320 <1:5 <1:5 9  1:320  1:320 <1:5 <1:5 10 >1:640 >1:640 <1:5 <1:5 *The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units.

TABLE 64 Viral neutralization assay with the sera of animals immunized with PD4D2. Neutralizing titers* Neutralizing titers (PD4D2) PBS C(−) Mouse Anti-DEN-4 Anti-DEN-2 Anti-DEN-4 Anti-DEN-2 1 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 2 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 3  1:1280  1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 4 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 5  1:640  1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 6 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 7 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 8  1:640 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 9 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 10 >1:1280 >1:1280 <1:5 <1:5 *The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

TABLE 65 Cross-reactivity assay against all the viral serotypes by ELISA, HI and viral neutralization with the sera of animals immunized with PD4D2. Mixture ELISA ELISA ELISA ELISA of sera* (anti-DEN-1) (anti DEN-2) (anti-DEN-3) (anti-DEN-4) 1(PD4D2) <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100  1:64000 2(PD4D2) <1/100 >1:128000 <1/100 >1:128000 Mixture HI** HI HI HI of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 PD4D2 <1:5 >1:320 <1:5 >1:320 Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Neutralizing Mixture titers*** titers titers titers of sera* anti-DEN-1 anti-DEN-2 anti-DEN-3 anti-DEN-4 1(PD4D2) <1:5 >1:1280 <1:5 >1:1280 2(PD4D2) <1:5 >1:1280 <1:5 >1:1280 *Each mixture was formed by three sera. **The HI titers were defined as the highest dilution capable of inhibiting the hemagglutination of goose's erythrocytes against 8 hemagglutination viral units. ***The neutralizing titers were defined as the highest dilution of serum having 50% reduction of the number of viral plaques.

Example 53 Protection Assay

For the evaluation of the protection conferred to mice immunized with all the assayed variants upon challenge with homologous lethal DEN, 15 mice of each group were used. Each animal received one dose of 100 LD₅₀ of lethal DEN by intracraneal inoculation and they were observed during 21 days to study the percentage of lethality. As positive controls, groups of 15 mice immunized with the four viral preparations (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4) were used. All the mice of these control groups survived while mice from the negative control group become sick between 7–11 days after challenge; therefore, achieving a 100% of mortality. Finally, groups immunized with the fusion proteins under study had between an 80% and 100% of protection and in all the cases, significant differences with respect to the control group were found (table 66).

TABLE 66 Percentage of survival in mice immunized with the protein variants assayed upon challenge with the homologous lethal Dengue virus. Percentage of Immunogen survival* PBS 0 DEN-1 100 DEN-2 100 DEN-3 100 DEN-4 100 PLL1 86 PLL2 100 PLL3 100 PLH1 80 PLH2 100 PLH3 100 PAZ1 80 PAZ2 100 PAZ3 100 PID1 86 PID2 100 PID3 100 PD4D2 100 (DEN-4) 100 (DEN-2) *It was calculated: (# of mice survived)/(# total of mice). Data of survivors were taken 21 after challenge. In the case of mice immunized with pD4D2, 15 were challenged with DEN-4 and 15 with DEN-2.

Example 54 Lymphoproliferative Response

Animals from different groups immunized with the chimeric proteins containing the E fragment from DEN-2 (PLL1, PLL2 and PLL3), and a placebo group, were sacrified 15 days after the last dose. Then, the spleen of the animals was harvested and the lymphoproliferative response against the four serotypes of Dengue virus was studied. Table 67 shows the results of the stimulation indexes obtained, which demonstrate that a serotype specific response was achieved.

TABLE 67 Stimulation indexes, against the four Dengue viral serotypes, of lymphocytes from mice immunized with PLL1, PLL2 and PLL3. PLL1 PLL2 PLL3 C(−) DEN-1   1.3* 1.0 0.8 1.2 DEN-2 12.5 10.3 8.9 1.4 DEN-3 1.0 1.6 1.8 1.4 DEN-4 1.7 1.5 1.7 1.1 Control Antigen 1.1 1.0 1.3 0.9 PHA** 13.3 16.5 11.1 12.0 *Stimulation index: cocient of the counts per minute of the samples between the counts per minute of the control of the spontaneous synthesis of DNA. **mitogen: Phytohemagglutinin. 

1. A recombinant chimeric proteins comprising (i) a fragment of the E protein from Flavivirus and (ii) the amino acid sequence encoded by SEQ. ID. NO: 29, wherein the chimeric protein is capable of inducing a humoral immune response of neutralizing and protective antibodies in a recipient, serotype-specific against each serotype of Dengue virus, when the protein is present in a pharmaceutical preparation.
 2. A recombinant chimeric protein comprising: (i) a fragment of the E protein from Flavivirus and (ii) the amino acid sequence encoded by SEQ. ID. NO: 29, wherein the chimeric protein is capable of inducing a humoral immune response of neutralizing and protective antibodies in a recipient, specific against a homologous serotype of Dengue virus.
 3. A chimeric protein PLL3 comprising SEQ. ID. NO:
 31. 4. A pharmaceutical preparation comprising a chimeric protein described in claim 1 and a pharmacological vehicle, wherein the preparation is capable of inducing a protective immune response against Dengue virus in a recipient.
 5. A pharmaceutical preparation according to claim 4, wherein said preparation is a protective or therapeutic agent against the Dengue viruses, for oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, mucosal or intravenous use.
 6. A diagnostic composition comprising a protein described in claim 1 useful for the diagnosis and serotyping of Dengue virus.
 7. A chimeric protein PLL3 according to claim 3, wherein SEQ. ID. NO: 31 is the expression product of SEQ. ID. NO:
 30. 